Richard Arkwright

Richard Arkwright (23 December 1732-3 August 1792) was a British inventor and entrepreneur who invented the water frame, which created the factory system; this replaced the domestic system and helped in kickstarting the Industrial Revolution. Born in Preston, Lancashire, Arkwright modified James Hargreaves' spinning jenny to combine power, machinery, semi-skilled labor, and raw cotton to increase yarn production. His mill at Cromford, Derbyshire is one of the first known factories.